Tips for Raising a Terrific Preschooler Gary IN

For a preschooler, learning to identify emotions is the first step towards learning how to manage them. When a child can correctly label feelings, he is better able to express himself and his needs. Parents can help children develop this valuable skill through play.

Tips for Raising a Terrific Preschooler

The preschool years are an exciting time for both children and parents. It is the time when children pass through babyhood and enter childhood. During their third and fourth years, children enjoy a great deal of social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. They become stronger and more in control of their bodies, emotions, and environment. It is in this stage that many pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place, and parents begin to catch glimpses of the person their child is becoming.

Emotions

Between the ages of three and four, children experience tremendous emotional growth. It is in this stage that children begin to understand and label feelings. They understand on a basic level what causes certain feelings, and will offer simple help to those in distress. When a playmate cries or becomes angry, a child may offer a hug or share a special toy. It is important that parents recognize and encourage this emphatic behavior. This will help children develop compassion. It will also help them learn to identify emotions in themselves and in others.

For a preschooler, learning to identify emotions is the first step towards learning how to manage them. When a child can correctly label feelings, he is better able to express himself and his needs. Parents can help children develop this valuable skill through play. Mirror games, face cards, and play acting are all great ways to help children identify their emotions. Reading and storytelling can also be very helpful. Describing why a favorite character feels a certain way is fun and lets children practice expressing emotions.

As preschoolers begin to identify their emotions, there is a notable shift in how they handle themselves. Tantrums, while still present especially during times of stress, become fewer and farther between. This makes it a great time to teach them how to soothe and comfort themselves. Instructing children to use touch or a simple phrase can go a long way in helping them manage anxiety and stress. A mother may place her hand on her heart and then on her child s to let him know that this is the place where she is always with him. Then throughout the day when he needs reassuring, all he needs to do is touch that place to feel comforted. The same goes for words. For instance, if he suffers separation anxiety repeating the phrase Daddy will be back will remind him that all is well, and his father will return.

Friendship

Friendships are very important in the preschool years. Once children begin to understand emotions and their connection to other people, they begin to establish friendships. For three and four year-olds, friendship begins by showing interest in other children and mimicking them. While these children long for playmates, they are just learning the social skills necessar...

There are parents, siblings, teachers, and friends. There are also characters who are dealing with the same situations they are. In this way, stories help children know they are not alone in their problems. They also let them see someone else handle the issue. Once exposed to how a storybook character masters a difficult situation, children are often inspired to tackle their own problems.